Goalkeeper: Robert Green (West Ham)
One of the individual performances of the season from any player in
any position came from Robert Green against Arsenal in September
and the former Norwich stopper is undoubtedly one of the main
reasons why the Hammers are mid-table despite a catalogue of
injuries - if only for the three (yes, three) penalties he's
saved.
Right-back: Glen Johnson (Portsmouth)
We admit we've been happy to take a few pot-shots at Johnson in the
past, but this season for Pompey he has been nothing less than
excellent, making it inevitable that Lauren will be shipped out of
the club in January. Defensively sound but also dangerous going
forward - his goal against Wigan was an absolute beauty. We'll even
forget the toilet-stealing if he carries on like this.
Centre-half: Martin Laursen (Aston Villa)
Let's face it, you have to be good when Zat Knight is your
defensive partner. Laursen's heading of the ball has been exemplary
at both ends of the pitch, chipping in three goals to add to some
towering defensive displays. The way he dealt with Didier Drogba at
Villa Park should serve as a lesson to all top-flight
centre-halves.
Centre-half: Sylvain Distin (Portsmouth)
Pompey have conceded only three goals in their last nine Premier
League games and massive credit must go to the Frenchman, who has
that rare talent for making defending look ridiculously easy in the
way that Rio Ferdinand can at his very best. Has formed a fantastic
partnership with the evergreen Sol Campbell.
Left-back: Joleon Lescott (Everton)
It was a toss-up whether to include Joseph Yobo or Lescott for
their outstanding form, but Lescott gets the nod on the basis of
his versatility. Forget the England debacle - Lescott has been
brilliant for Everton this season and we at F365 would like to see
him alongside Ferdinand at the centre of the England defence. Not
that we have anything against John Terry, of course...
Right Midfield: David Bentley (Blackburn)
Blackburn's reigning Player of the Year has kept up that form this
time around - and has already matched his Premier League goals
total for the season, showing an eye for a set-piece reminiscent of
another DB. Also gets extra points for showing remarkable
intelligence (for a footballer) in working out that the general
public are rather less keen on footballers than they would like to
generally believe.
Central Midfield: Gareth Barry (Aston Villa)
We know it's no longer fashionable to like Barry, but you cannot
argue with the consistency of the man. Outside the Big Four he is
undoubtedly the most complete central midfielder - the glue that
holds the Villa team together, the player who is just as likely to
be providing a raking pass for Gaby Agbonlahor as making a
last-ditch tackle to help out Zat Knight.
Central Midfield: Elano (Man City) Hamann subbed out
Elano joined Manchester City in the summer from Ukrainian side
Shakhtar Donetsk for a fee of £8 million. He has made an immediate
impact at the City of Manchester stadium, quickly becoming a fan
favourite. His link up play with the City midfield and attack has
been splendid and is definitely a candidate for player of the
season so far.
Left Midfield: Martin Petrov (Man City)
More left-footed than Elton John, but he petrifies the life out of
right-backs up and down the country. From the opening day against
Jonathan Spector to poor Nicky Hunt on Saturday, they are all left
in tangles by the Bulgarian who has scored four goals and made five
in the Premier league this season. If they had a half-decent
striker they'd be in the top four...Oh. Should Liverpool be worried
yet?
Striker: Gaby Agbonlahor (Aston Villa)
As tempting as it was to include Robbie Keane for scoring a load of
goals in a poor side, I have to pay tribute to the Villa striker
who must be amongst the quickest in the country. Having seen him
live at Middlesbrough - when he made Jonathan Woodgate look
cumbersome - the idea that he should not be included in an England
squad frighteningly low on pace is ridiculous.
Striker: Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn)
After the outrageous success of Benni McCarthy last season, Mark
Hughes has pulled another one out of the hat in the Paraguayan. The
last player to score a hat-trick in the Premier League and still
end up on the losing side was Dwight Yorke, and the two players
have another thing in common - the sheer joy of playing football
which in turn is a joy to watch. Seven goals and five assists in
the league this season for Santa Cruz. Now that's what you call a
bargain.
